U.S. patent application number 10/721960 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-03 for automotive vehicle with open air system.
Invention is credited to Dilluvio, Christopher J., Doncov, Stephen, Monroe, Donald R., Murtfeldt, Jeffrey J..
Application Number | 20040104605 10/721960 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23132200 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040104605 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doncov, Stephen ; et
al. |
June 3, 2004 |
Automotive vehicle with open air system
Abstract
An open air system (21) for an automotive vehicle includes a
roof panel (23, 25), which can be retracted to a stowed position
below a storage compartment cover (29). In another aspect of the
present invention, two or more generally rigid roof panels (23, 25)
are movable from above a passenger compartment (33) to below a
generally horizontal plane (261). A further aspect of the present
invention provides a back window (27), which can be raised and
lowered.
Inventors: |
Doncov, Stephen; (Trenton,
MI) ; Dilluvio, Christopher J.; (Farmington Hills,
MI) ; Monroe, Donald R.; (Dearborn, MI) ;
Murtfeldt, Jeffrey J.; (Redford, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
23132200 |
Appl. No.: |
10/721960 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10721960 |
Nov 25, 2003 |
|
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|
PCT/US02/16683 |
May 28, 2002 |
|
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60294168 |
May 29, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
296/216.04 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 1/183 20130101;
B60J 7/04 20130101; B60J 7/024 20130101; B60J 7/0084 20130101; B60J
7/047 20130101; B60J 10/248 20160201; B60J 7/202 20130101; B60J
10/82 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/216.04 |
International
Class: |
B60J 007/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An automotive vehicle roof system for a vehicle, the automotive
vehicle roof system comprising: a roof panel slidably mountable to
the vehicle, the roof panel being slidable from a closed position
to an opened position; a back window slidably mountable to the
vehicle, the back window being movable from a closed and functional
position to a stowed position; and a mechanism operably connectable
between the back window and the vehicle, the mechanism being
capable of pivoting a top portion of the back window outwardly and
subsequently rotating the back window into the stowed position.
2. The automotive vehicle roof system according to claim 1 wherein
the mechanism comprises: at least a pair of pivot links operably
connectable between the back window and the vehicle, the pivot
links cooperating with the back window and the vehicle to define at
least a four bar linkage.
3. The automotive vehicle roof system according to claim 2 wherein
the mechanism further comprises: a retaining member positionable in
a locked position engagable with a pin member extending from the
back window and an unlocked position; an actuation rod operably
coupled at a first end to the retaining member for actuating the
retaining member between the locked position and the unlocked
position; and a main drive block at least partly coupled to the
actuation rod so as to actuate the actuation rod.
4. The automotive vehicle roof system according to claim 1 wherein
the back window must be in the stowed position when the roof panel
is in the opened position.
5. An automotive vehicle roof system comprising: an elongated
track; a back window having a first end and an opposing second end;
a first retaining member mounted to the back window generally near
the first end of the back window; a mechanism having at least a
four-bar linkage slidably coupling the back window to the elongated
track to permit the back window to be moved between a closed and
functional position and an opened position; a second retaining
member selectively engaging the first retaining member in a locked
position and releasing the first retaining member in an unlocked
position; and a rod extending between the mechanism and the second
retaining member to actuate the second retaining member between the
locked position and the unlocked position in response to movement
of the mechanism.
6. The automotive vehicle roof system according to claim 5 wherein
the first retaining member is a pin.
7. The automotive vehicle roof system according to claim 5 wherein
the second retaining member is a bellcrank hook.
8. The automotive vehicle roof system according to claim 5 wherein
the mechanism further comprises: a carrier member slidably disposed
in the elongated track; a first link pivotably coupled between the
carrier member and the back window; a second link pivotably coupled
between the carrier member and the back window; and wherein the
carrier member, the first link, the second link, and the back
window cooperate to define the at least four bar linkage.
9. The automotive vehicle roof system according to claim 8 wherein
the mechanism further comprises: a bellcrank pivotally connectable
to the automotive vehicle, the bellcrank operably coupled on a
first end to the rod and cammingly engaging the carrier member on a
second end to actuate the rod in response to movement of the
carrier member.
10. An automotive vehicle roof system for a vehicle, the automotive
vehicle roof system comprising: a roof panel slidably mountable to
the vehicle, the roof panel being slidable from a closed position
to an opened position; a back window slidably mountable to the
vehicle, the back window being movable from a closed and functional
position to a stowed position; and a mechanism operably connectable
between the back window and the vehicle, the mechanism being
capable of pivoting a top portion of the back window outwardly and
subsequently rotating the back window into the stowed position;
wherein the back window must be in the stowed position when the
roof panel is in the opened position.
11. The automotive vehicle roof system according to claim 10
wherein the mechanism comprises: at least a pair of pivot links
operably connectable between the back window and the vehicle, the
pivot links cooperating with the back window and the vehicle to
define at least a four bar linkage.
12. The automotive vehicle roof system according to claim 10
further comprising: an elongated track; the back window having a
first end and an opposing second end; a first retaining member
mounted to the back window generally near the first end of the back
window; the mechanism having at least a four-bar linkage slidably
coupling the back window to the elongated track to permit the back
window to be moved between the closed and functional position and
the opened position; a second retaining member selectively engaging
the first retaining member in a locked position and releasing the
first retaining member in an unlocked position; and a rod extending
between the mechanism and the second retaining member to actuate
the second retaining member between the locked position and the
unlocked position in response to movement of the mechanism.
13. The automotive vehicle roof system according to claim 12
wherein the first retaining member is a pin.
14. The automotive vehicle roof system according to claim 12
wherein the second retaining member is a bellcrank hook.
15. The automotive vehicle roof system according to claim 12
wherein the mechanism further comprises: a carrier member slidably
disposed in the elongated track; a first link pivotably coupled
between the carrier member and the back window; and a second link
pivotably coupled between the carrier member and the back
window.
16. The automotive vehicle roof system according to claim 12
wherein the mechanism further comprises: a bellcrank pivotally
connectable to the automotive vehicle, the bellcrank operably
coupled on a first end to the rod and cammingly engaging the
carrier member on a second end to actuate the rod in response to
movement of the carrier member.
17. The automotive vehicle roof system of claim 10 further
comprising a double-bulb seal extending along a header and a pair
of side rails, the seal operably channeling water from the roof
panel and the back window.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT/US02/16683, filed
May 28, 2002 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/294,168, filed May 29, 2001; the disclosures of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to automotive
vehicles and more specifically to an open air system for an
automotive vehicle.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is common in the automotive industry to employ fabric
covered convertible roofs and hardtop convertible roofs, which are
movable from a closed position above a passenger compartment to a
retracted position within a bootwell or trunk. It is also known to
provide movable tonneau covers to cover the stowed convertible
roofs. For example, reference should be made to U.S. Pat. No.
5,090,764 entitled "Vehicle Body Construction for Hardtop
Convertible" which issued to Kogawa et al. on Feb. 25, 1992, and
German 38 16 060 entitled "Passenger Car having a Two-Part Hardtop"
which was published on Nov. 16, 1989. However, most automotive
vehicles must be parked and prevented from driving when the
convertible roof is moved between the closed and stowed position.
Otherwise, the wind created during driving would catch the inside
of the convertible roof and tonneau cover when they are pivoted to
near-vertical positions thereby potentially damaging the
mechanisms. Therefore, many recent vehicles have either employed
electric circuits that require the parking brake to be applied or
the automatic transmission must be shifted to the park position,
before the convertible roof actuators are energized.
[0004] It has also become desirable to maximize the open air or
open roof space above the passenger compartment. The following U.S.
patents disclose various conventional sunroof constructions: U.S.
Pat. No. 5,961,177 entitled "Sunroof Assembly Drain Trough for an
Automotive Vehicle" which issued to Caye et al. on Oct. 5, 1999;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,100 entitled "Sunroof Assembly for an
Automotive Vehicle" which issued to Ewing et al. on Sep. 14, 1999;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,779 entitled "Power Sliding Sunroof" which
issued to Mizuno et al. on Mar. 30, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,937
entitled "Roof System for Vehicle" which issued to Yamamoto on Jul.
9, 1991; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,783 entitled "Slidable, Foldable,
and Removable Vehicle Sunroof" which issued to Chamings et al. on
May 28, 1991. All of these patents are incorporated by reference
herein. While many of these prior arrangements have significantly
improved the art, however, the open air space can still be further
increased while increasing passenger compartment headroom.
[0005] Another traditional automotive vehicle has employed a
flexible fabric roof which can be closed by manually snapping or
otherwise attaching the fabric roof to stationary roof rails and a
front header. This fabric roof can also be manually rolled up to
expose fully the passenger compartment between the roof rails.
Notwithstanding, this conventional approach is time-consuming to
close, unsightly, and cannot be easily retracted during vehicle
driving and lacks adequate cold weather insulating properties.
[0006] In accordance with the present invention, an open air system
for an automotive vehicle includes a roof panel, which can be
retracted to a stowed position below a storage compartment cover.
In another aspect of the present invention, two or more generally
rigid roof panels are movable from above a passenger compartment to
below a plane defined by a closed rear deck lid. A further aspect
of the present invention provides a back window, which can be
raised and lowered without necessitating retraction of a movable
roof panel. Still another aspect of the present invention employs a
pair of stationary side rails, one or more generally rigid roof
panels, and a generally rigid back window, which are all movable
from passenger compartment covering positions to stowed positions
beneath a tonneau cover. In a further aspect of the present
invention, a tonneau cover mechanism employs links and a slide.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a locking system
for a slidable panel. A four-bar linkage mechanism is used for a
slidable panel in yet another aspect of the present invention.
Additionally, a further aspect of the present invention provides an
integrated tonneau cover and open air sealing arrangement.
[0007] The open air roof system of the present invention is
advantageous over conventional devices in that the present
invention allows for easy retraction and closure of a convertible
roof with a rigid tonneau cover. The use of stationary side rails
for the present invention also enhances vehicle structural
integrity when the roof panels are stowed while also serving as a
sturdy platform to mount elongated tracks, the corresponding roof
panel driving mechanisms and the weatherstrip seal. The roof system
of the present invention also advantageously allows independent
venting and partial retracted opening of the front roof panel
regardless of whether the back window is closed or stowed. The back
window can also be opened without requiring concurrent movement of
the front or rear roof panels. The sealing arrangement of the
present invention is advantageous over conventional constructions
since the present invention uses a single-piece seal along the
entire roof and tonneau cover opening; this minimizes leakage-prone
joints and reduces part count inventory. The linkage mechanisms for
the slidable panels and the tonneau cover advantageously allow for
engagement and disengagement from the adjacent sealing
segments.
[0008] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the
preferred embodiment of the open air system of the present
invention with a front roof panel, mid roof panel, back window and
tonneau cover all located in their respective closed positions;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the
preferred embodiment open air system of FIG. 1 with the front roof
panel disposed in a partially open spoiler position;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the
preferred embodiment open air system of FIG. 1 with the back window
disposed in its open and stowed position;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the
preferred embodiment open air system of FIG. 1 with the front roof
panel, mid roof panel and back window all retracted to their open
and stowed positions below the tonneau cover;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view illustrating the
preferred embodiment open air system with the front roof panel
disposed in its intermediate open spoiler position;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side view illustrating the
preferred embodiment open air system with front roof panel, mid
roof panel, and back window retracted to their open and stowed
positions below the tonneau cover;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a front
sunroof panel mechanism employed in the preferred embodiment open
air system;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the front sunroof
panel mechanism disposed in a fully closed and forward most
position employed in the preferred embodiment open air system;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary and enlarged perspective view
illustrating the front portion of the roof panel track employed in
the preferred embodiment open air system;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary and enlarged perspective view
illustrating the bottom and rear portions of the primary and
supplemental tracks as well as the actuators, employed in the
preferred embodiment open air system;
[0020] FIGS. 11-15 are a sequential series of diagrammatic side
views illustrating the front sunroof panel mechanism employed in
the preferred embodiment open air system;
[0021] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
rear sunroof panel mechanism employed in the preferred embodiment
open air system;
[0022] FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic side view illustrating the
interface between the front and rear sunroof panel mechanisms
employed in the preferred embodiment open air system;
[0023] FIGS. 18-21 are a series of side elevational views
illustrating the retraction and opening sequence for the back
window mechanism employed in the preferred embodiment open air
system;
[0024] FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating the primary and
supplemental tracks employed in the preferred embodiment open air
system;
[0025] FIG. 23 is a cross sectional centerline view illustrating a
seal arrangement between the back window and tonneau cover, both
being disposed in their closed positions, employed in the preferred
embodiment open air system;
[0026] FIG. 24 is exploded perspective view illustrating the
sealing arrangement for the back window and tonneau cover employed
with the preferred embodiment open air system; and
[0027] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a back
window mechanism employed in the preferred embodiment open air
system;
[0028] FIGS. 26-28 are perspective views illustrating the back
window mechanism employed in the preferred embodiment open air
system;
[0029] FIGS. 29 and 30 are exploded perspective views illustrating
a pull down latching apparatus for the back window employed in the
preferred embodiment open air system;
[0030] FIGS. 31-34 are a series of diagrammatic side views
illustrating opening sequence of movement for a tonneau cover
mechanism employed in the preferred embodiment open air system;
[0031] FIG. 35 is a perspective view illustrating the weather
sealing arrangement for the vehicle body-to-open air system
interface, employed with the preferred embodiment open air
system;
[0032] FIG. 36 is a cross sectional view taken along the centerline
illustrating the body weather seal at the front header
panel-to-front sunroof panel interface employed with the preferred
embodiment open air system;
[0033] FIG. 37 is a cross sectional view, transversely taken along
a side rail section, illustrating the body weather seal at the side
rail-to-front sunroof panel interface, with the front sunroof panel
disposed in an fully closed position, employed with the preferred
embodiment open air system;
[0034] FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
seal carrier arrangement for the rear sunroof panel employed in
with the preferred embodiment open air system;
[0035] FIG. 39 is a centerline cross sectional view illustrating
the sealing arrangement at the front sunroof panel-to-rear sunroof
panel interface, employed with the preferred embodiment open air
system, when the front and rear sunroof panels are both disposed in
their fully closed positions; and
[0036] FIG. 40 is a fragmentary perspective view like that of FIG.
1 illustrating a water flow path for the sealing arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] The following description of the preferred embodiment is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0038] With particular reference to FIGS. 1-6, the preferred
embodiment of an open air system 21 according to the principles of
the present invention is illustrated having a front roof panel 23,
a mid roof panel 25, a back window or backlite 27, and a tonneau
cover 29. Front roof panel 23, mid roof panel 25 and back window 27
all span in a crosscar direction between a pair of stationary side
roof rails 31 above a passenger compartment 33. A front header 35
serves to connect structurally together side roof rails 31 adjacent
to a front windshield 37. Side roof rails 31 rearwardly transition
into enlarged C-pillars 39, which are also known as, quarter upper
panels or sail panels. Tonneau cover 29 spans in a crosscar manner
between C-pillars 39. A roof storage compartment 209 is covered by
tonneau cover 29. Furthermore, a trunk compartment 41 is covered by
a pivotable trunk or deck lid 43. Deck lid 43 is disposed behind
and generally parallel with the horizontally closed tonneau cover
29. Front roof panel 23 and mid roof panel 25 each include outer
and inner sub-panels, preferably stamped from aluminum or steel
sheet that are attached together.
[0039] As best seen in FIGS. 5-14, a front drive mechanism 451 for
front roof panel 23 is provided. A roof panel track 271 is mounted
to each side rail 31. Roof panel track 271 is preferably extruded
from aluminum and is elongated in a generally fore-and-aft
direction extending from front header 35 (FIGS. 1-6) to the bottom
of roof storage compartment 209. A front carrier 273 has feet 453
extending in a lateral crosscar direction that engage undercut
grooves 272 of roof panel track 271. Front and rear camming slots
279 and 280, respectively, are located in front carrier 273. A
first camming pin 455 transversely projects from a bracket 457 for
engagably following along front camming slot 279. Similarly, a
second camming pin 459 transversely projects from bracket 457 for
engagably following along camming slot 280. A third camming pin 471
extending from an opposite face of bracket 457 engagably follows a
camming slot 473 of a drive block 475. Bracket 457 is adhesively
bonded, encapsulated, or otherwise fastened to an interior surface
of front roof panel 23.
[0040] An inexpensive, flexible, and elongated roof panels drive
cable 295 is positioned above and external to roof panel track 271
and has an eyelet 481 (see FIG. 9) which is fastened to drive block
475. This allows a less complicated and less expensive extruded
track to be used without a circular passage for internally
accepting the cable. Accordingly, with particular reference to
FIGS. 11-15, when a first electric motor actuator 297 (FIG. 10)
rearwardly pulls roof panels drive cable 295 on top of roof panel
track 271, drive block 475 will move relative to roof panel track
271 and front header 35. The first electric motor actuator 297
includes a fractional horsepower, direct current, electromagnetic
motor 299 and a rotary cable drum 301 (FIG. 10). The electronic
control unit will act in response to a vehicle operator switch and
will thus energize first electric motor actuator 297 for either a
predetermined time or until a hall-effect or similar encoder
indicates the desired position of drive block 475. Drive block 475
is retracted rearwardly in an initial lost motion manner wherein a
fourth camming pin 483 rotates a pull down actuator 485. This
causes a pull down rod 487, coupled between a cage and a pivot of
pull down actuator 485, to move linearly rearward. Next, pull down
rod movement rearwardly rotates a rear pull down lock 489, which in
turn, disengages from a pull down pin 490 stationarily secured to
roof panel track 271.
[0041] Subsequent retraction of drive block 475 allows camming pins
455, 459 and 471 to slide upwardly in their associated camming
slots 279, 280 and 473 thereby vertically lifting front roof panel
23 off of body seal 63 (FIG. 36) and slightly rearward to a spoiler
venting position, partially above mid roof panel 25. When the cable
subsequently pulls drive block 475 further rearward, a generally
C-shaped mouth 491 of drive block 475 engages and upwardly cams a
pin 493 of a front roof locking shoe 495 (FIG. 15). This rotatably
releases front roof locking shoe 495 from an aperture 497 in a
bottom surface of roof panel track 271, against a spring 498.
Subsequently, the entire vented front roof panel 23 is retracted
above a plane of the otherwise stationary mid roof panel 25 in an
overlapping spoiler-type arrangement as shown in FIG. 5.
[0042] Venting movement of front roof panel 23 allows extension of
an elongated arm coupled to a wind deflector 499, due to spring
biased actuation. When reversed, carrier downwardly depresses the
elongated arm to lower wind deflector 499.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 16, panel mechanism 501 includes a
rear drive block 503, a carrier 505, a bracket 507, and a
track-to-carrier locking shoe 509, all operating in a similar
manner to those parts for front drive mechanism 451. However, rear
drive block 503 is moved by interlocking engagement with front
carrier 273.
[0044] With particular reference to FIGS. 15-17, it can be seen
that rearward movement of front carrier 273 causes unlocking of a
roof panel carrier lock 521, whereby a generally L-shaped pawl has
a foot which is upwardly rotated to disengage from an aperture in
the bottom of roof panel track 271. Moreover, a transversely
projecting pin 523 of mid roof panel carrier lock 521 upwardly
slides into a generally C-shaped mouth 525 of a locking member
section 527 of front carrier 273. In an alternate embodiment, the
interlocked roof panels can be stopped in any partially opened
position between FIGS. 5 and 6. Further rearward sliding movement
of front carrier 273 indirectly causes disengagement of
track-to-carrier locking shoe 509. Specifically, rearward sliding
movement of front carrier 273 causes drive block 503 to travel
rearward to disengage track-to-carrier locking shoe 509, which is
attached to mid panel 505. Thus, when front roof panel 23 has been
moved to its intermediate open spoiler position as shown in FIG. 5,
front and mid roof panels 23 and 25, respectively, are securely
locked together and will move simultaneously together throughout
further retraction into the storage compartment. In the reverse
direction, forward advancing movement of the front roof panel will
concurrently cause mid roof panel 25 to follow until mid roof panel
25 is in its fully closed position, shown again in FIG. 5. At this
point, mid roof panel carrier lock 521 will reengage roof panel
track 271 and become disengaged from C-shaped mouth 525 of front
carrier 273 upon further advancing and closing movement of front
roof panel 23. Thus, a separate electric motor and cable system is
not required for mid roof panel 25, thereby reducing cost and
simplifying the construction.
[0045] With reference now to FIGS. 18-30, back window 27 is
preferably formed in a three-dimensional manner from glass. A metal
support frame 51 is encapsulated to the interior surface of back
window 27 and is partly visible at the top edge. As seen in FIG.
10, a second electric motor actuator 54 is mounted in roof storage
compartment 209. A back window drive cable 55 (FIG. 22) pulls back
window 27, located above a secondary track 205. A flexible rubber
bulb seal 57 (see FIGS. 23 and 24) is affixed to a lower edge of
back window 27 and compresses against a drain trough or sealing
surface 621 mounted to an upper and forward position of tonneau
cover 29.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 18-21 and 25-30, a back window
coupling mechanism 671 slidably couples back window 27 to secondary
track 205. Back window coupling mechanism 671 includes a main drive
block 673, a back window carrier 675, a drive link 677, and a
follower link 679. Main drive block 673 has an arcuate shaped
camming surface 681 defining an internal slot, which engages a cam
following pin 684 extending from a proximal end 683 of a drive link
677. A generally middle portion 685 of drive link 677 is rotatably
coupled to back window carrier 675 at a pivot 999. A proximal end
687 of follower link 679 is rotatably coupled to a forward section
of main drive block 673 at a pivot pin 680. Distal ends 693 and 695
of drive link 677 and follower link 679, respectively, are
rotatably and/or slidably attached to brackets 691 attached to the
support frame of back window 27. Main drive block 673 and back
window carrier 675 are slidable within separated but parallel,
undercut grooves 697aand 697b of secondary track 205.
[0047] Referring briefly to FIG. 10, second electric motor actuator
54 includes an electric motor 701 and rotary cable drum 703 and is
disposed adjacent to a bottom of secondary track 205 within roof
storage compartment 209. A first end 55a of back window drive cable
55 is rotatably wound around rotatable cable drum 703 when electric
motor 701 rotates the drum in a first direction. An opposite end
55b of back window drive cable 55 is pulled around the drum if
electric motor 701 is operated in a reverse direction. Pulleys 705
and 707 (FIGS. 10 and 22) located adjacent the ends of secondary
track 205 change the pulling direction of back window drive cable
55 in response to energization of the second electric motor
actuator 54. The back window cable is externally mounted to the
track and has an eyelet that is coupled to and drives main drive
block 673 in an advancing or retracting linearly sliding manner
relative to secondary track 205. Generally, curved secondary track
205 is mounted to the inside of a quarter panel 207 (FIG. 4) and/or
within roof storage compartment 209.
[0048] Retraction of main drive block 673 toward roof storage
compartment 209 causes camming surface 681 of main drive block 673
to rotate downwardly proximal end 683 of drive link 677 while
upwardly and outwardly rotating distal end 693 of drive link 677
away from secondary track 205 and the vehicle. Follower link 679
will rotatably follow in a generally parallel manner thereby
lifting back window 27 off the corresponding segment of body seal
63. This movement also serves to raise the bottom of back window 27
off tonneau cover 29. Drive link 677, follower link 679, main drive
block 673/back window carrier 675, and back window/frame 27 act as
a four-bar linkage assembly.
[0049] A back window-locking pawl 721 is pivotably coupled to back
window carrier 675 at pivot 678. A downwardly projecting foot of
back window locking pawl 721 operably engages and abuts against a
rectangular aperture in secondary track 205. This serves to
maintain the location of back window coupling mechanism 671 until
it is desired to fully retract and stow back window 27 into roof
storage compartment 209. After back window 27 has been moved to its
lifted intermediate position (as shown in FIG. 19), further
retracted pulling of back window drive cable 55 by rotary cable
drum 703 causes an unlock cam extension 725 projecting from main
drive block 673 to slide downwardly along secondary track 205
toward roof storage compartment 209. Unlock cam extension 725 has a
generally C-shaped mouth 726 facing in a somewhat rearward and
downward direction. A ramp 728 defines a lower portion of C-shaped
mouth 726 for unlock cam extension 725. Rearward movement of unlock
cam extension 725 causes a transversely extending pin 727 extending
from back window locking pawl 721 of back window carrier 675 to
ride up ramp 728 of unlock cam extension 725 as shown in FIG. 20.
This serves to disengage back window locking pawl 721 from the
aperture in secondary track 205, such that back window carrier 675
as well as the remaining back window mechanism and back window 27
can freely slide downward along secondary track 205 into roof
storage compartment 209 when second electric motor actuator 54 is
energized.
[0050] As can be observed in FIGS. 18-21, 29, and 30, a bellcrank
801 has a first end rotatably engagable by a pin 803 mounted to a
forward end of main drive block 673. A middle of bellcrank 801 is
journalled about a pivot 805 coupled to a support bracket 807. An
opposite end 808 of bellcrank 801 is pivotably coupled to an
elongated pull down back window rod 809. The opposite end of back
window rod 809 is pivotably coupled to a bottom of a bellcrank
latch 811. A middle of bellcrank latch 811 is rotatably coupled to
a latch support bracket 813 secured to roof panel track 271.
Furthermore, a hook-like end 815 of bellcrank latch 811 is rotated
from an engaged position with a striker 821 to a disengaged
position in response to movement of main drive block 673, via
bellcrank 801 and back window rod 809. Striker 821, including a
bracket 823 and a pin 825, downwardly projects from an inside
surface of metal support frame 51 or other back window extension
panel located adjacent the front and upward edge of back window 27.
This serves to compress the leading section of back window/frame 27
against the corresponding sealing segment, and then allow for its
release for lifting then full retraction movement.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 31-34, a tonneau cover drive
mechanism 861 for tonneau cover 29 is provided. Tonneau cover drive
mechanism 861, as well as most other drive mechanisms discussed
herein, are disposed in a mirrored symmetrical fashion on both
sides of the vehicle and will only be further described herein for
one side. A proximal end 873 of a tonneau drive link 863 is
pivotably coupled to a stationary support bracket 865. An opposite
distal end 875 of tonneau drive link 863 is pivotably coupled to a
bracket affixed to an inside of tonneau cover 29. An electric motor
or hydraulic actuator (not shown) is coupled to tonneau drive link
863. A tonneau follower link 867 has a distal end 877 pivotably
coupled to the tonneau cover bracket and has an opposite proximal
end 879 pivotably slidable along a stationary tonneau track 869.
Proximal end 879 of tonneau follower link 867 also is pivotably
coupled to a drag link 871 that has its opposite end pivotably
coupled to tonneau drive link 863. This provides a six-bar linkage
mechanism with a sliding track control. This construction allows
some initial vertical movement to disengage the adjacent sealing
section and then moves rigid tonneau cover 29 along a generally
horizontal plane between the closed position shown in FIG. 31 to
the fully open position shown in FIG. 34. When in the fully open
position, the tonneau cover allows for advancing and retracting
access of the back window, mid roof panel, and front roof panel
into and out of the roof storage compartment.
[0052] The general operation is as follows. An electronic control
unit, such as a microprocessor, will first energize electric motor
701 to cause back window coupling mechanism 671 to raise back
window 27. Next, the electronic control unit energizes the tonneau
actuation that drives tonneau cover drive mechanism 861 to
rearwardly slide and open tonneau cover 29. The geometry of tonneau
drive link 863 and sliding tonneau follower link 867 causes tonneau
cover 29 to move in a slightly vertical but mostly horizontal
direction, with minimal angular tipping of tonneau cover 29 (FIGS.
31-34). Tonneau cover 29 is in an overlapping orientation relative
to deck lid 43 when open. The open position of tonneau cover 29
allows back window 27 and movable roof panels 23, 25 to be
retracted from their closed positions covering passenger
compartment 33, to their stowed and open positions within roof
storage compartment 209, which is below a beltline or generally
horizontal deck lid plane 261. For purposes of this disclosure, the
beltline is defined generally as the intersection where the windows
of the vehicle meet the painted body. Accordingly, tonneau cover 29
opening and closing movement as well as back window 27 intermediate
movement allows for unsealing of each seal, especially compared to
a conventional rigid tonneau cover that pivots to a generally
vertical orientation.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 35-37, a single or integrated, one-piece,
body seal 63 extends in a continuous manner transversely across the
front header 35, longitudinally along both side roof rails 31,
longitudinally along C-pillars 39 adjacent roof storage compartment
206, and transversely across the rear structural beam adjacent a
rear edge of roof storage compartment 206. Body seal 63 has a
generally U-shape with a first upstanding leg 901 surrounding an
upstanding flange of the side rail roof gutter, and a second and
longer upstanding leg 903 outwardly positioned therefrom. A hollow
and compressible bulb is located on each upstanding leg 901, 903.
Molded drain pockets 905, 907, 909, and 911 are attached to the
weather seal adjacent the front corners and at the transitions
between side roof rails 31 and storage compartment 206. Drain tubes
are connected to pockets 905 and 907. The water flowing at the rear
drains into the body water trough surrounding the vehicle decklid.
Thus, the front and side edges of front roof panel 23 compressibly
seal against the body seal 63 when fully closed. Furthermore, the
side edges of mid roof panel 25 compressibly seal against body seal
63 when in its closed position. The side edges of back window/frame
27 also compressibly seal against body seal 63 when back window 27
is in its fully closed position. Finally, the side and rear edges
of tonneau cover 29 will compressibly seal against body seal 63,
when tonneau cover 29 is in its fully closed position. Body seal 63
is an extruded rubber or elastomeric polymer member of generally
constant cross section. That is, a portion of body seal 63
extending along the header and side rails may be formed from an
identical extrusion. Furthermore, this seal may also be used along
the tonneau cover.
[0054] As illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39, mid roof panel 25 has a
leading depressed drain trough and a trailing depressed drain
trough, which both extend in a crosscar manner. The leading
depressed drain trough is separate from the trailing depressed
drain trough. A transverse seal 69 is mounted on peripheral flanges
of these drain troughs for abutting against interior surfaces of
the corresponding front roof panel 23 and back window 27.
Accordingly, water flow is directed as illustrated in FIG. 40.
Molded end details transition water to the body drain troughs in
body seal 63. It should be noted that a similar sealing arrangement
may be used between mid roof panel 25 and back window 27, wherein
the seal is mounted to mid roof panel 25.
[0055] While the preferred embodiment of the open air system for an
automotive vehicle has been disclosed herein, it should be
appreciated that other embodiments may be employed without
departing from the present invention. For example, the preferred
body-colored, metal roof panels may be replaced by generally
transparent glass roof panels. In addition, the mid roof panel can
be supplied with a tilting and moving mechanism like that employed
for the front roof panel to allow for independent venting and
retraction. Additional sunroof panels can be provided. Moreover, it
is alternately envisioned that scissor driving mechanisms and other
camming and linkage arrangements can be employed to tilt or slide
the front roof panel, mid roof panel or back window relative to the
stationary fixed tracks. Several of the electric motors may also be
combined functionally together or replaced by hydraulic or other
actuating devices. A further alternate construction uses the deck
lid or package shelf as a tonneau cover substitute as long as the
desired functions are achieved. The tonneau cover system, sealing
arrangement and backlite mechanism can be used with a conventional
convertible soft top or hard top roof, and the roof panel
mechanisms can be employed with otherwise conventional
sunroofs.
[0056] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in
nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of
the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention.
Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
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